{"id":282636,"date":"2018-02-24T07:46:36","date_gmt":"2018-02-24T12:46:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/aleteia.org\/?post_type=post&p=282636"},"modified":"2018-02-24T07:46:36","modified_gmt":"2018-02-24T12:46:36","slug":"hymn-of-the-week-the-glory-of-these-forty-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/deaconsbench\/2018\/02\/hymn-of-the-week-the-glory-of-these-forty-days\/","title":{"rendered":"Hymn of the Week: ‘The Glory of These Forty Days’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

We hear this hymn during Lent, and this week it\u2019s the processional at my parish.<\/p>\n

It has the distinction of having been written by St. Gregory the Great (though some scholars dispute that and suggest its actual authorship is unknown.)<\/p>\n

Nonetheless, it has a long and venerable history. Some background:\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Th<\/a><\/b>e Glory of These Forty Days<\/a>\u00a0is a 1906 translation by Anglican Minister,\u00a0Maurice F. Bell<\/a>\u00a0(1862-1947) of the 6th century latin hymn\u00a0Clarum Decus Jejunii,<\/a>\u00a0attributed to Pope\u00a0St. Gregory the Great<\/a>\u00a0(540-604). It was traditionally sung at Matins during Lent.\u00a0The Glory of These Forty Days<\/a>\u00a0is set to the Lutheran hymn tune\u00a0Spires<\/a>\u00a0(Erhalt\u2019 uns, Herr<\/i>) by\u00a0Joseph Klug<\/a>\u00a0(1523-1552). First published in 1543 with later harmonies added by\u00a0J.S. Bach<\/a>\u00a0(1685-1750). In the Liturgy of the Hours it is used during\u00a0Lent<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The words:\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

1. The glory of these forty days
\nwe celebrate with songs of praise,
\nfor Christ, through whom all things were made,
\nhimself has fasted and has prayed.<\/p>\n

2. Alone and fasting Moses saw
\nthe loving God who gave the law,
\nand to Elijah, fasting, came
\nthe steeds and chariots of flame.<\/p>\n

3. So Daniel trained his mystic sight,
\ndelivered from the lions\u2019 might,
\nand John, the Bridegroom\u2019s friend, became
\nthe herald of Messiah\u2019s name.<\/p>\n

4. Then grant us, Lord, like them to be
\nfull oft in fast and prayer with thee;
\nour spirits strengthen with thy grace,
\nand give us joy to see thy face.<\/p>\n

5. O Father, Son and Spirit blest,
\nto thee be every prayer addressed,
\nwho art in threefold name adored,
\nfrom age to age, the only Lord.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Enjoy the rendition below.<\/p>\n